Chamber News
| A Busy Day at the Capitol | |
 5/13/08 |
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On Wednesday, May 7, fifteen concerned individuals from Galena and the surrounding region boarded a bus at 6 am and headed for Springfield, Illinois. Sponsored by the Galena and Dubuque Area Chambers of Commerce, the legislative trip enabled participants to communicate face-to-face with Illinois lawmakers regarding our region's transportation and infrastructure needs. The group met with Representative Jim Sacia, Senator Tim Bivins, and Senator Tony Munoz, Transportation Committee Chairperson. With Galena Mayor Tom Brusch acting as its chief spokesperson, the visiting group repeatedly stressed the need for four-laning of US 20 West between Freeport and Galena. To emphasize how hazardous this stretch of road has become, Galena Chamber Director Ed Schmit displayed a series of photos (courtesy of Jay Dickerson and The Galena Gazette) taken of serious accidents that have recently occurred on the road's two-lane portion. The group also expressed the need for reinstatement of passenger service from Chicago to Galena, and the benefits it would bring in terms of increased tourism and economic development. In addition, the Chamber group had meetings with the following: IDOT Chief of Operations Brice Sheriff, George Ryan, also of IDOT, and Kristin Richards, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor's Office; Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halverson; Representative Jay Hoffman (Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee Chairperson); Bill Houlihan of Senator Durbin's office; and House Republican Leader Tom Cross, his Chief of Staff Matthew O'Shea, Representative Brent Hassert, and Colleen Atterbury, Deputy Director of Education and Human Services. Representative Sacia also made a point to attend this meeting. Throughout the day, the group received essentially the same assurances: both the US 20 project and passenger rail service are at the top of the agenda of those in a position to make them happen. However, without passage of a capital bill to fund these projects and many others, little if anything can be done to implement our requests. The capital bill itself is currently stalled, due to a lack of consensus as to the nature of additional revenue streams. Some members of our group also spoke briefly with Glenn Poshard, who is currently working with Dennis Hastert on coming up with a capital plan. |
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| Tri-State Alliance Held in Freeport | |
| 5/13/08 |
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On Monday, April 21, the Tri-State Alliance held its 2008 Summit in Freeport, Illinois. The need for a comprehensive infrastructure plan and funding thereof provided the main focus of the event. Ed Schmit, director of the Galena Area Chamber, was one of many business, community, and political leaders in attendance from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The recently formed Alliance is a collaboration among chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and area transportation planning organizations. It was formed to address matters of regional importance. The Galena Area Chamber of Commerce is an active participant. |
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| Spring Music on Main Is Almost Here | |
| 5/13/08 |
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On Saturday, May 17, the Chamber will hold its annual Spring Music on Main. Scheduled from 5 to 10 pm at the Green Street Plaza, this is an evening of fun for the entire family. Enjoy great music from two rockin' bands--The Wundos and Outta Control. Kids' fun includes a free bounce house and face painting. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for those ages 13 to 20. Those 12 and under get in free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Support this Chamber fundraiser while enjoying a relaxing evening in downtown Galena. |
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| I should belong because . . . | |
| 5/13/2008 |
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Get Involved and Reap the BenefitsChoose to become involved! There are many opportunities to assist and serve on committees. It's up to you to choose your level of involvement. The more involved you become, the greater the benefits! Referrals Each year the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce receives thousands of telephone calls from potential customers from all over the country. Reasons for calls vary widely. Some ask about activities, others about lodging accommodations, where to eat, or what goods and services Galena has to offer. The list goes on and on. Chamber members receive referrals with answers to all inquiries! Website Listing As a member, your business is automatically listed by category, with a complimentary link to your very own website. Banner advertising is also available for the very affordable discounted rate of $14 per month. This is another opportunity to get your name in front of potential customers. Political Action The Chamber represents Galena and the surrounding area on various local, regional and state legislative issues of importance. The Galena Area Chamber and the Dubuque Area Chamber sponsor an annual trip to Springfield to visit with Illinois legislators regarding regional issues. This year, reinstatement of railroad passenger services and the completion of the US Hwy 20 West four-laning were top on the list. Networking Opportunities to network are provided through the Annual Golf Outing, Annual Meeting/Dinner, and the Legislative Breakfast, as well as Chamber-sponsored community events, such as the Annual Halloween Parade and the Night of Luminaria. Marketing Promotions The Chamber provides marketing/advertising opportunities through our Chamber website, the Nexus, the Annual Business Showcase, and Chamber-sponsored events. These include Spring and Fall Music on Main, the Annual Golf Outing and Ladies Getaway Weekend. You may also take advantage of low-cost bulk mailing services through the Chamber as you market your business. Thousands of gift certificates sold each year by the Chamber are of direct benefit to our members. Recognition We appreciate city and community support! Team efforts by many make your Chamber of Commerce strong. Therefore, we express our appreciation of our members' support whenever possible. One way that we do so is by listing renewing members on our website and in the Nexus. These are just a few of the many reasons why "I should belong." |
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SpyMaps, LLC
SpyMaps creates custom illustrated maps highlighting Galena, Illinois, and Dubuque, Iowa area businesses. Maps are distributed for free.
Chris Haas 1320 S. Grandview Ave. Dubuque, IA 52003 Phone: 563-580-4077 info@spymaps.com www.spymaps.com |
Galena Artisan Center
Luanne Gagliardi
223 S. Main St.
Galena, IL 61036
Phone: 815-777-2502
llgagliardi8@aol.com
www.GalenaArtisanCenter.com
Thurs-Mon, 10 am-5 pm
Handmade and unique items, locally and regionally made. Home décor, table runners, jewelry, hand-blown glass, stained glass, purses, and clothing.
Luanne Gagliardi
223 S. Main St.
Galena, IL 61036
Phone: 815-777-2502
llgagliardi8@aol.com
www.GalenaArtisanCenter.com
Thurs-Mon, 10 am-5 pm
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